St Jerome's Newsletter
Week 7 - Term 3 (Thursday 3 September)
St Jerome’s Primary School acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders, both past and present, of the lands on which this school is located.
Dear Parents and members of our school community
I love this image of the heart of the father being a masterpiece of nature. it goes back to being made in the image of God. This brings about peacefulness, don't you think? We are who we are in all our imperfections. My wish for all our dads and granddads is that you receive an abundance of love this weekend, knowing just how precious it is to be a dad to your children.
I don’t know about you, but recently I have tried to avoid watching or even reading the news. Every story seems to emphasize just how much anger and hatred some people have for others. And yet in the midst of these depressing stories, we hear of people showing true kindness and care. I started thinking about what sparks the beginnings of our compassion? How do the seeds of empathy start? How do we nurture these traits in ourselves, in our children and grandchildren? I know one thing, it begins with each of us individually.
One of the great joys of greeting the children each morning at drive through is seeing the love sisters and brothers have for each other. Oh I know there are times when they are like true enemies but perhaps we see them at their best. One little boy stopped to help his sister who had fallen and was very upset. He immediately helped her stand up, hugged her and sorted out all the contents of her bag. Our Making Jesus Real focus reminds our children to consider each day how their actions have an impact on those around them.
A sixteen year old girl from Indiana named Amy Maddox wrote this beautiful little poem that I really love:
He prayed - it wasn't my religion.
He ate - it wasn't what I ate.
She spoke - it wasn't my language.
She dressed - it wasn't what I wore.
She took my hand - it wasn't the color of mine.
But when he laughed - it was how I laughed.
And when he cried - it was how I cried.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."
Albert Einstein wrote: “Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison of our own self- interest by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
I pray we can embrace a spiritual belief in our shared humanity. I pray we can as human people come together with vision, hope, compassion and empathy with the understanding that this is the true meaning of greatness and the very essence of our Christian faith.
Parent Survey on Road Safety for our Children
A huge thank you to the 210 families who have taken the time to complete this survey. Also the 91 people who have commented very thoughtfully and carefully on the many complex issues around how you bring and collect your children at St Jerome's.
The survey is still available until 18th September and the link was sent to each family via email.
I will let everyone know the results and I will share the comments once all the responses are in.
In the meantime, I have contacted the City of Cockburn West Ward councilors, Kevin Allen, Michael Separovich and Phoebe Corke and we are planning to meet one afternoon at drive through time. Please do try and stagger your afternoon arrival times so that you come here after 3.20pm. You will then have the choice of park, walk and pick up or drive-through.
Principal
MJR Focus - to be a ‘Team Player’ both at home and at school.
Our MJR focus for the rest of the term is to be a ‘Team Player’ both at home and at school.
Here is a little video you can share with your children from the popular movie Finding Nemo.
MJR focus - Being a TEAM Player –the importance of working together at home and at school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCQg0gMhvOU
So often children are asked to do a small job by our parents and teachers and so often they moan and groan and mentally say they will do it later- like, after the TV show or when they have finished their X box game, or even tomorrow.
Talk to your children about what this means. Remind them that when they say, “certainly” and go on to do the job,:
· They feel good
· They don’t have to worry about it because they have done it!
· It is not hanging over them to do
· Their parents /teachers are pleased with them.
· They are a Team player!
TAH – (Teamwork At Home) is an old expression of thanks and some people still use it today.
Parents, if you uses this expression (T.A.H) at home when your children do something you have asked of them, they will know that they are recognising their efforts at being a team player.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Dear Parents,
Parent-Teacher interviews will be held for years Pre-Primary to year 6 from 14th September to 25th September
Interviews will be of 10 minutes duration.
Using this system you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet-connected computer.
Please access the system as follows:
- Go to the school’s home page: https://www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au/portal/
- Click the PTO icon (red mouthed smiley face)
Click “Obtain PIN/Password” and enter your email address.
Your PIN will be emailed to you.
- Full instructions are provided to you after log in. Please note the following points:
- When you log on, the system displays only your own child/children. Bookings are made for individual parents/guardians, not for couples. Couples can however log on to the system simultaneously to coordinate bookings. If two parents/guardians wish to attend a single interview time slot, one parent/guardian should make the booking then both can attend.
- You will only see time slots that are available at the time you are using the system. As time slots are booked for teachers, those time slots are no longer displayed as available. PTO prevents double-booking of teachers or parents/guardians.
- When you have made all the bookings you require, you can download or email a report of your bookings in time order for printing. You can log in and change bookings any time up to 1 day before the interviews.
- If you see this symbol displayed along side the class name, it means this teacher recommends that you book an interview.
- Other parents may be making bookings at the same time that you are using the system. It is possible, though unlikely, that a time slot is displayed to you as available, but is then booked by another parent shortly afterwards. If you then attempt to book this time slot it will not be available and a message will be displayed to indicate this.
- If you encounter any problems using PTO please contact the school office by phone on 94999500 or by email to admin@stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Yours sincerely
Carol Hoare
Assistant Principal Religion
Parish News
Connecting Fathers and their Children in the Early Years
Many dads have an idea of what being a ‘good dad’ looks like and of the experiences and relationships they would like to have with their children. Good relationships begin with engagement, accessibility and responsibility. All parents and carers will make mistakes, face challenges and learn from their experiences. This is all a part of the parenting process. There is no right or wrong amount of time to spend with your child, it’s more about the quality of your interactions, where fathers and their children can bond and connect. One of the best ways dads can bond with their child is through play. Fathers can promote their child’s intellectual development and social competence through all kinds of play, including physical. From these interactions, children learn how to regulate their feelings and behaviour. Fathers also tend to be more lively and energetic in their play. Some suggestions for dads when there are interacting with their young children include:
- Ask your child lots of questions about the world, the environment, and other people.
- Listen to your child and ask them about how they feel – children need adults to hear them and understand the emotions they are feeling.
- It is also helpful for children to see their father express his feelings. Talk to your children about how you feel, with the aim of modelling effective communication skills.
- Teach your child a skill, such as catching a ball, tying a knot, or riding a bike. These things help you to connect to your child and give them a sense of achievement.
- Read with your child. To make it fun, change the names of the characters to those of people in your family!
- Give your child encouragement when they are trying new things. This helps them to understand that people do not become good at things straight away and it often takes practise.
Most of all, have a wonderful Father’s Day with your family.
Great Book Swap Challenge
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Great Book Swap Challenge by either bringing in a book or purchasing them. We are yet to tally up the donations. Watch Facebook for final figures, which we will donate to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum - Parent Tips
Tip #9 – Keep computers in a public place in your home. Use applications that help you monitor what websites your child is visiting.
Tip #10 – Help your child create their Safety Network Team of five adults they trust and feel safe with, and who will listen to your child. These people should be known to you. There needs to be dialogue with these people so they are aware of what is required of them as a Safety Network Team member.
Assistant Principal Curriculum
Angelico Virtual Art Exhibition
The Angelico Virtual Art Exhibition is now available. Here is an opportunity for everyone to vote for the Peoples’ Choice Art Award. Click on the link below to register your vote.
Thank you!
Marisa Cipriano
Visual Arts Teacher
Extension News
Book Club – Issue 6 (2020)
Book club orders must be finalised online
By Friday 11th September
Any orders placed after this date will incur a delivery fee and be delivered to your home.
Please use LOOP on scholastic website.
No cash payments or paper orders taken
Catalogues for Issue 6 have been handed out to classrooms.
School Banking News
Commonwealth Bank is offering all active School Banking Students an ex-gratia reward item due to the temporary pause of the School Banking Programme from 20 March 2020 because of the coronavirus.
School Banking is every Wednesday between 8.15am to 8.45am in the Uniform Shop. Come in with your next deposit to redeem your reward.
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
Maria Rafala
School Banking Co-ordinator
ST JEROME’S DAY - TALENT SHOW UPDATE
As we are all aware, Covid - 19 restrictions are impacting our lives. This will be the case with the talent show this year.
The talent show will only have students as participants and audience from Year 4-6. This will ensure our limits remain at allowable levels for an indoor venue.
Only parents of students performing plus the Year Six parents that are doing an item, can attend the talent show.
Thank you for your understanding.
A Message from our Health Nurse
Drinks - what should children drink?
Drinking plenty of water is essential for people of all ages. When your child is thirsty, encourage them to drink plain water.
It is recommended that:
· children aged 5 – 8 years drink 1000ml per day (4 big cups)
· children aged 9 – 12 years drink 1500ml per day (6 big cups)
· young people aged 13+ years drink 2000ml per day (8 big cups)
Drinking milk is also important, as it provides children with the calcium they need for growing bones and teeth. If your child doesn’t drink milk, try yoghurt, cheese or calcium-fortified soy milk.
The drinking of cordials, soft drinks and fruit juices should be limited, as the sugar in these drinks may contribute to tooth decay and unhealthy weight.
Energy drinks and artificially sweetened drinks are not suitable for children.
For more information go to https://livelighter.com.au/
Kind Regards,
Melanie Rodrigues | Clinical Nurse (District Schools)– Cockburn region
90 Cordelia Avenue Coolbellup 6163
PO Box 4016 Coolbellup 6163
Child and Adolescent Community Health
T: 9314 0100 | M: 0409 091 443 | F: 9314 0133 | E: melanie.rodrigues@health.wa.gov.au
W: health.wa.gov.au/cahs
Autism Association Free Workshops for Parents
Please see below information on "Early days for children with Autism' Workshops.
The workshops provide information on a variety of topics and are free.
Joanna Roper
Disability Support Coordinator
P&F News
Contact Details
Email: admin@stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Location: 38 Troode Street, Lake Coogee, WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9499 9500